Stroo, Tierney Graduate from Park with Classmates Cheering Them On

Washington Park graduated the class of 2013 Friday night with all the requisite pomp and circumstance, but two moments perhaps stood out bigger and brighter than the rest.

The first came when Caleb Stroo walked across the stage to not just thunderous applause but to a standing ovation from the entire student body and most of the audience, too. 

Stroo has been confined to a wheelchair most of his life, but for his graduation, albeit with the help of a walker and an assistant, he walked up the ramp with his fellow graduates and took his diploma in his hand.

The second moment came when John Tierney's name was read, and he took slow steps across the stage to receive his diploma. Tierney is a leukemia patient currently undergoing chemotherapy, and it was questionable whether or not he would feel well enough to attend the ceremony.

Just last month, Tierney's classmate, Danielle Frost, put together a benefit walk and raised $4,500 that Park gave to the Tierney family. They turned the money over to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, though, to help Frost's gift go even further.

Students and members of the audience cheered and hollered their support for Tierney while his mom, Dawn, sat quietly in her seat wiping tears.

Before the graduates were presented, Salutatorian Susan Schulz addressed her classmates and told them she understood that graduation is a bittersweet moment but one to be celebrated with smiles. 

Valedictorian Rebecca Pozen urged her fellow graduates to find the courage to overcome the obstacles sure to come. She left them with a quote from That '70s Show that, Pozen explained, illustrates how they need to recognize opportunities and take advantage of them.

"Opportunity does not knock, then knock again, and then leaves a note that says, 'Sorry, I missed you,'" she said. "If we can find the courage to overcome obstacles, we can reach our dreams."